“Heartbreaking, exhilarating and unexpected . . . A complete triumph.”—The Hollywood Reporter
“10/10. A masterpiece . . . Brilliant in every aspect.”—IGN’s Best Original Graphic Novel, 2013
The Fifth Beatle brings to life the true story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein—the man who launched the Beatles to worldwide stardom.
This 10th Anniversary edition of the critically acclaimed, award-winning international bestseller features a new cover, an accompanying musical soundtrack/playlist curated by writer Vivek J. Tiwary, a new introduction by legendary music manager Kelly Curtis (Pearl Jam), and an expanded sketchbook section.
A visionary artist manager, Brian Epstein engineered Beatlemania—guiding the Beatles from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom while wrestling with personal demons and the trappings of massive ambition and success. An award-winning, uplifting and inspiring human story about chasing your dreams, The Fifth Beatle also reveals an important, unsung chapter in the Beatles' history.
Whether you’re discovering the Brian Epstein story for the first time or an old fan revisiting this groundbreaking graphic novel, now a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives Permanent Collection, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.
“The Fifth Beatle gives life to the man behind the phenomenon that changed music forever. Even if you've never heard Brian Epstein's name, you know his work. Vivek's telling of this untold hero's story gripped me from the very first page-- this heart-warming, inspirational graphic novel is perfect for old and new Beatles fans alike.”—Jon Chu (Wicked, In The Heights, Crazy Rich Asians)
“The Beatles’ immortality, as documented in this meticulously researched, masterfully written and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel, is Epstein’s legacy, as are the boundless torrents of love, hope and optimism shared through their songs.”—Long Island Press
“. . . writer Vivek J. Tiwary, and artists Andrew Robinson and Kyle Baker, captured the soaring thrill of music with comic book art in their Brian Epstein epic The Fifth Beatle. It’s a must-have for any Fab Four or comics fan that brings an era of music history to life so vividly.”—Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy)
“The Fifth Beatle, with its heightened graphic artistry, brings to life Brian Epstein’s singular contribution not just to the Beatles, but to pop culture as a whole. Whether you’re new to the story or know it like I do, this intimate portrait of a man as lonely as he was beloved, perfectly captures what it means to believe in something big. Look out for a great cameo appearance by Col. Tom Parker!” —Baz Luhrmann (Elvis, Moulin Rouge!)
Vivek J. Tiwary is an acclaimed producer of musical entertainment from Tony Award-winning Broadway shows to groundbreaking immersive experiences, a Grammy Award-winning record producer, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a media financier/investor. He is the founder of Tiwary Entertainment Group (TiwaryEnt.com).
Vivek’s graphic novel The Fifth Beatle won numerous literary awards including the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award and two Harvey Awards. It’s a Lambda Literary Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel and has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives. Vivek secured unprecedented access to Beatles music for its TV adaptation, for which Vivek is writer + Executive Producer.
Vivek is currently the lead producer of Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Jagged Little Pill (based on Alanis Morissette’s classic album). In addition to receiving 2 Tony Awards including Best Book of a Musical, Jagged Little Pill was nominated for a total of 15 Tony Awards including Best Musical—second only to Hamilton (16) for the most ever—and was the best reviewed show of the season. Vivek also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for producing the Jagged Little Pill cast recording. Past Broadway productions Vivek has either been a financier or Producer on include such groundbreaking work as Green Day’s American Idiot, A Raisin In The Sun, The Addams Family, A Little Night Music, and both of Mel Brooks’ musicals The Producers and Young Frankenstein. Combined, these productions have won 25 Tony Awards and 59 Tony nominations.
Vivek is also a pioneering producer in the world of site-specific, tech-based, and immersive theatre. He consulted on the creation and development of The Walking Dead Escape and The Walking Dead Experience. He served on the Board of Directors for New York’s seminal GAle GAtes—considered to be the founders of immersive theatre. He also produced experiential shows and installations for boundary-pushing companies such as The Wooster Group, Fischerspooner, and the São Paulo Art Biennial.
Prior to founding TEG and online music education/empowerment company StarPolish, Vivek held a number of major label music-industry positions and has worked with artists covering the entire musical spectrum from Bruce Springsteen to Britney Spears.
Among many charitable pursuits, Vivek is the Co-Founder of Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization that uses music and entertainment to complement the healing process.
Vivek is a magna cum laude graduate of both the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences, and a cum laude graduate of the Collegiate School in New York City. He also holds a filmmaking certificate from The New York Film Academy and is an acting student of Susan Batson/Black Nexxus Acting Studio.
Vivek is a two-time honoree (2020, 2021) of Gold House’s A100 List to celebrate Asians and Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and their transformative contributions to society.
He lives in New York with his inspiring wife Tracy and their delightful children Kavi and Nandini.
“Heartbreaking, exhilarating and unexpected . . . A complete triumph.”—The Hollywood Reporter
“10/10. A masterpiece . . . Brilliant in every aspect.”—IGN’s Best Original Graphic Novel, 2013
The Fifth Beatle brings to life the true story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein—the man who launched the Beatles to worldwide stardom.
This 10th Anniversary edition of the critically acclaimed, award-winning international bestseller features a new cover, an accompanying musical soundtrack/playlist curated by writer Vivek J. Tiwary, a new introduction by legendary music manager Kelly Curtis (Pearl Jam), and an expanded sketchbook section.
A visionary artist manager, Brian Epstein engineered Beatlemania—guiding the Beatles from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom while wrestling with personal demons and the trappings of massive ambition and success. An award-winning, uplifting and inspiring human story about chasing your dreams, The Fifth Beatle also reveals an important, unsung chapter in the Beatles' history.
Whether you’re discovering the Brian Epstein story for the first time or an old fan revisiting this groundbreaking graphic novel, now a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives Permanent Collection, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Praise
“The Fifth Beatle gives life to the man behind the phenomenon that changed music forever. Even if you've never heard Brian Epstein's name, you know his work. Vivek's telling of this untold hero's story gripped me from the very first page-- this heart-warming, inspirational graphic novel is perfect for old and new Beatles fans alike.”—Jon Chu (Wicked, In The Heights, Crazy Rich Asians)
“The Beatles’ immortality, as documented in this meticulously researched, masterfully written and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel, is Epstein’s legacy, as are the boundless torrents of love, hope and optimism shared through their songs.”—Long Island Press
“. . . writer Vivek J. Tiwary, and artists Andrew Robinson and Kyle Baker, captured the soaring thrill of music with comic book art in their Brian Epstein epic The Fifth Beatle. It’s a must-have for any Fab Four or comics fan that brings an era of music history to life so vividly.”—Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy)
“The Fifth Beatle, with its heightened graphic artistry, brings to life Brian Epstein’s singular contribution not just to the Beatles, but to pop culture as a whole. Whether you’re new to the story or know it like I do, this intimate portrait of a man as lonely as he was beloved, perfectly captures what it means to believe in something big. Look out for a great cameo appearance by Col. Tom Parker!” —Baz Luhrmann (Elvis, Moulin Rouge!)
Author
Vivek J. Tiwary is an acclaimed producer of musical entertainment from Tony Award-winning Broadway shows to groundbreaking immersive experiences, a Grammy Award-winning record producer, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a media financier/investor. He is the founder of Tiwary Entertainment Group (TiwaryEnt.com).
Vivek’s graphic novel The Fifth Beatle won numerous literary awards including the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award and two Harvey Awards. It’s a Lambda Literary Finalist for Best LGBT Graphic Novel and has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives. Vivek secured unprecedented access to Beatles music for its TV adaptation, for which Vivek is writer + Executive Producer.
Vivek is currently the lead producer of Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Jagged Little Pill (based on Alanis Morissette’s classic album). In addition to receiving 2 Tony Awards including Best Book of a Musical, Jagged Little Pill was nominated for a total of 15 Tony Awards including Best Musical—second only to Hamilton (16) for the most ever—and was the best reviewed show of the season. Vivek also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for producing the Jagged Little Pill cast recording. Past Broadway productions Vivek has either been a financier or Producer on include such groundbreaking work as Green Day’s American Idiot, A Raisin In The Sun, The Addams Family, A Little Night Music, and both of Mel Brooks’ musicals The Producers and Young Frankenstein. Combined, these productions have won 25 Tony Awards and 59 Tony nominations.
Vivek is also a pioneering producer in the world of site-specific, tech-based, and immersive theatre. He consulted on the creation and development of The Walking Dead Escape and The Walking Dead Experience. He served on the Board of Directors for New York’s seminal GAle GAtes—considered to be the founders of immersive theatre. He also produced experiential shows and installations for boundary-pushing companies such as The Wooster Group, Fischerspooner, and the São Paulo Art Biennial.
Prior to founding TEG and online music education/empowerment company StarPolish, Vivek held a number of major label music-industry positions and has worked with artists covering the entire musical spectrum from Bruce Springsteen to Britney Spears.
Among many charitable pursuits, Vivek is the Co-Founder of Musicians On Call, a nonprofit organization that uses music and entertainment to complement the healing process.
Vivek is a magna cum laude graduate of both the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences, and a cum laude graduate of the Collegiate School in New York City. He also holds a filmmaking certificate from The New York Film Academy and is an acting student of Susan Batson/Black Nexxus Acting Studio.
Vivek is a two-time honoree (2020, 2021) of Gold House’s A100 List to celebrate Asians and Asian American & Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and their transformative contributions to society.
He lives in New York with his inspiring wife Tracy and their delightful children Kavi and Nandini.
